Game board mounting post and game board mounting post assembly

ABSTRACT

A portable mounting post for securing a game board to a stationary structure is disclosed. The mounting post may include a support portion to attach the post to the structure and an opening and a groove to receive the mounting element; and a slotted portion positioned above the post support portion and having at least one slot at a top surface of the slotted portion, the at least one slot configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board. A basketball backboard designed to be secured to a structure it is also disclosed. The backboard may have a pair of apertures extending from a front to a rear of the backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line and receiving a securing strap or a rigid member for securing the device to the structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/505,338, filed May 12, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD IF THE INVENTION

The present application is related generally to mounting posts for mounting game boards, such as basketball backboards, or other game boards, to indoor or outdoor structures, and to a backboard that is so mountable.

BACKGROUND

Portable game tables and game boards as well as basketball backboards are widely known. For example, the Duncan toys brand bracket system affixes a basketball backboard by screwing a rod using brackets to an accessory mounted on the back of a basketball backboard. Similarly, Garner, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0177892 discloses a strap detachable portable basketball system that entails straps that may be affixed through slotted strap spines attached to an offset mounting shoe on the backside of the reinforced basketball backboard. Other prior art includes modular basketball backboard with rim, U.S. Pat. No. 9,452,334, breakaway basketball rim assembly, U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,285, folding basketball goal, U.S. Pat. No. 9,370,701, trampoline basketball goal, U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,908 and basketball backboard, U.S. Pat. No. 8,852,034. Each of these patent documents is incorporated in full herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are a mounting post for a game board, such as a basketball backboard, for securing the game board to a stationary structure, and disclosed also is a basketball backboard that may be portable.

A game board mounting post is disclosed, which many be attached, using a mounting element, to a load bearing object and configured to receive an attachment device attached to the game board. Such a mounting post may include a post support portion configured to attach the post to the load bearing object; the post support portion having a longitudinal extent in use oriented vertically and having at least one of an opening and a groove positioned and configured to receive the mounting element; and a slotted portion positioned above the post support portion and having at least one slot at a top surface of the slotted portion, the at least one slot configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board.

In such a mounting post, the at least one slot at the top surface of the slotted portion may be configured to receive a clip attached to the game board.

In such a mounting post, the at least one of the opening and the groove of the post support portion may include a first opening, and a second opening positioned below and spaced from the first opening, the first opening and the second opening each extending horizontally through an entirety of the post support portion from a first side of the support portion to a second side of the post support portion.

Such a mounting post may further include a first extension piece and a second extension piece, each extension piece configured to be mounted to a side of the slotted portion and may include at least one slot at a top surface of the respective extension piece, the at least one slot of the respective extension piece configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board.

In such a mounting post, the slotted portion may have an extension member receiving slot positioned at the top surface, and the mounting post may further include an extension piece comprising a central connector thinner than laterally adjacent portions of the extension piece and configured to be mounted in the extension member receiving slot so as to secure the extension piece in the slotted portion.

Such a mounting post may further include the mounting element, wherein the mounting element is a strap.

In such a mounting post, the mounting post may define a concave slot positioned at a center of the mounting post and extending along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the mounting post.

Also disclosed is a mounting kit that may include such a mounting post and may further include the attachment device. Such a mounting kit may also include the game board.

Also disclosed is a game board that is designed to be attached, using a mounting element, to a load bearing object and configured to receive an attachment device attached to the game board. Such a mounting post may include a post support portion configured to attach the post to the load bearing object; the post support portion having a longitudinal extent in use oriented vertically and having at least one of an opening and a groove positioned and configured to receive the mounting element; and a fastener receiving portion defining an aperture configured to receive a fastener for securing the game board to the mounting post.

In such a mounting post, the at least one of the opening and the groove may be positioned on a front surface of the mounting post, the front surface being a side of the mounting post facing away and being parallel to a side of the mounting post facing the game board.

In such a mounting post, the fastener receiving portion may be configured to receive a rigid fastener.

Such a mounting post may also include a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard. Such a basketball backboard may include:

a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and

each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.

Such a mounting post may also include a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard. Such a basketball backboard may include:

a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and

each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure,

wherein the basketball backboard comprises a second pair of apertures positioned below and vertically aligned with the first pair of apertures, each aperture of the second pair of apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the basketball backboard, and configured to receive a second securing strap extending between the pair of second apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.

In such a mounting post, each aperture may include a vertical slot configured to receive the strap, and a horizontal slot traversing the vertical slot configured to receive a male protruding member of a bracket.

Also disclosed is a device that includes a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device for being secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard. Such a basketball backboard may include:

a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.

In such a device, the basketball backboard may include a second pair of apertures positioned below and vertically aligned with the first pair of apertures, each aperture of the second pair of apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the basketball backboard, and configured to receive a second securing strap extending between the pair of second apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.

Such a device may be provided in combination with a pair of brackets. Each such bracket may be configured to be positioned behind the basketball backboard and comprising two pairs of male protruding members, each male protruding member configured to extend through an aperture; each bracket comprising an L-shaped top portion configured to secure the bracket to the structure.

In such a combination, each male protruding member may include a flange configured to project up along the front surface of the basketball backboard so as to secure the basketball backboard to the bracket.

In such a device, each aperture may include a vertical slot configured to receive the strap, and a horizontal slot traversing the vertical slot configured to receive a male protruding member of a bracket.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a game board mounting post, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the game board mounting post illustrated in FIG. 1 in a disassembled state, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of the game board mounting post, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the game board mounting post illustrated in FIG. 3 in a disassembled state, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a third embodiment of the game board mounting post with an integrated T-shaped construction, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a fourth embodiment of the game board mounting post with support side extension pieces, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates a fifth example of the game board mounting post with mounting straps that are attached to the front of the mounting post and a keyhole bracket attachment, according to an aspect of the pressure disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the example of the mounting post illustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is an example of a keyhole bracket.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustration of an example of a basketball backboard with apertures configured as vertical slots and two brackets that may be insertable from behind to affix the basketball backboard, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustration of an example of a basketball backboard with apertures that include both vertical and horizontal lines, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view image of an example of the basketball backboard with straps threaded through pairs of apertures to affix the basketball backboard, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an example of the basketball backboard with a different shape, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustration of an example of a strap that may be used with the basketball backboard or other game board or with the mounting post, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example of the strap with a buckle for securing the basketball backboard, the other game board or the mounting post, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of straps with hooks that may be used with the foregoing structures, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 16A-16D are, respectively, a front and left side perspective view illustration, a right side view illustration, a bottom view illustration, and a front view illustration, of an example of a mounting post with slots for the strap entry on the side, an angled top surface, a key hole entry on the front surface and an additional hole for threaded entry on the front surface, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Dimensions illustrated or discussed with respect to any of the foregoing embodiments are provided only by way of illustrative example. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A game board mounting post receives a game board, such as a basketball backboard, for example, using a hook, a clip, or a bolt secured to the game board. The game board mounting post is securable to a load bearing structure or object, such as a fixed column, a post in a playground or the like. The game board may be a basketball mini hoop but may be a board used for a range of indoor or outdoor games or other activities, besides basketball, including tetherball, a badminton net, a tennis net or the like, as well as for a jump rope (with one person holding the other end of the jump rope), mini-golf holes, or a target, for example, a bulls eye, to be used for archery, darts, Velcro balls, or the like, or boards for activities other than sports and games, including a chalkboard, or bulletin board, a picture frame, a camera mount, tent or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, mounting post 10 includes a post support portion 20 that is attachable to a load bearing object or structure, such as a column used in playground equipment, a fence, or a fence post, a tree, a lamppost, a traffic sign post, or the like. Support portion 20 includes one or more slots 22 a, 22 b or grooves oriented, positioned and configured to receive respective straps, for example using Velcro straps, 27 a, b or to receive a ratchet that is rounded for clamping to the stationary object. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the slots 22 a, 22 b as penetrating the body of support portion 20. However, it will be understood that instead of such slots, one or more grooves may be positioned on one side of support portion 20 and such grooves may receive the straps, ratchet or other material for securing the support portion to the load bearing structure (not illustrated). Also, one or more straps 23 a, b or other mounting elements may be connected integrally to support portion 20 and this premounted strap or other mounting elements may be used to secure the post to the fixed object. In this way, slots 22 a, 22 b may be unnecessary.

FIG. 1 also illustrates slotted portion 30 positioned near the top of support portion 20. Slotted portion 30 includes slot 41 that receives a hook, clip or bolt or other type of mounting device attached or attachable to the game board (basketball mini hoop or other type of game board, chalkboard etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 1, slotted portion 20 may also include slots 42 a, 42 b so that if the game board has two hooks, clips, bolts or the like, including a central hook, clip or bolt, then such a pair of hooks, clips, bolts may also be accommodated. Also contemplated is a game board that has three or more such hooks, clips or bolts. While illustrated as forming a continuous slot 41, 42 a and 42 b, it will be understood that one or more of slots 41, 42 a and 42 b may be shorter, and the length of slots 41, 42 a and 42 b may be different from one another, depending on the width of the hook, clip or bolt secured to the game board, and its positioning.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the slotted portion may comprise three attachable elements 32 a and 32 b. 32 a and 32 b may be unnecessary when the game board is attachable using a centrally located hook, clip or bolt or the like. On the other hand when the game board is attachable using two hooks, clips or bolts, instead of a single centrally located one, then slotted portion extension pieces 32 a and 32 b may be attached to slotted portion central structure 31 to form the entirety of the slotted portion 31.

Extension pieces 32 a, 32 b may be connected to slotted portion central structure 31 using a number of connections, including a routed joint (for example, using a mortise and tenon, a biscuit, a dowel or the like), a threaded screw rod or some other fitted connection).

Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a threaded insert or twist and lock system that connects extension pieces 32 a and 32 b from the sides using threaded male member 33 a received in threaded aperture 34 a (not visible in FIG. 2) and threaded male member 33 b (not visible in FIG. 2) received by threaded aperture 34 b of the slotted portion center piece, so as to establish a removable connector between threaded male members 33 a, 33 b and threaded apertures 34 a, 34 b. This may secure extension pieces 32 a, 32 b on the slotted portion 31. According to another aspect of the invention, all three pieces 32 a, 32 b and 31 may be integrally formed and not disconnectable.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross lap joint method that connects a single extension piece 38 from the top. As illustrated in FIG. 4, single extension piece 38 includes a central connector 36 that is received in extension member receiving slot 37 positioned near the top of the central portion of the slotted portion 31. While described as post support portion 20 and slotted portion 31, it will be understood that these elements may be integrally formed.

The strap received in slot 22 a, 22 b or integrally connected to post support portion 20 may be elastic and may be flexible. Post support portion 20 may also have a first side facing away from the game board and facing the load bearing structure to which it is mounted that is curved or rounded concave to facilitate attachment without undue movement on the support structure or support beam.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an integrally formed T-shaped mounting post. With such an integrally formed post 10, a convenient mounting of the game board may be provided. FIG. 5 also illustrates a groove 21 that may be formed on the side of mounting post 10 that faces the column or other structure to which the mounting post 10 is secured. Groove 21 is illustrated as having a curvilinear concave contour so as to provide a better or more snug fit to the column or structure to which the mounting post 10 is to be secured. However, other shapes as well as slots that run down only a part of the length of mounting post 10 may be also provided.

FIG. 5 illustrates hole 24 on a bottom side of mounting post 10, which may provide for attachment or securing to other game apparatus. For example, bottom hole 24 may be a threaded aperture that receives a screw. FIG. 5 also illustrates side opening 35 a (a similar side opening 35 b is provided on the other side), which may also be a threaded aperture to interact with a threaded male portion, for example, used to attach another game apparatus or another post for mounting other game boards.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment with extension side pieces 44 a, 44 b, each extension side piece 44 a, 44 b having slots 45 a, 45 b to receive the hook, clip a bolt of the game board. For example, game board may have a clip, hook or bolt that is very long or may have two or more such hooks, clips or bolts cooperating, and the longer slot provided by the combination of slots 41 and 45 a,b may provide a more stable and more secure mating with the game board with less clattering. The openings 35 a, 35 b may be used to receive further male members 33 a (not illustrated) and 33 b so as to secure extension side pieces 44 a, 44 b to slotted portion 30.

Also illustrated in FIG. 6 is opening 31, which may be used to attach other game apparatus. Top opening 31 may be a threaded aperture. Also, bottom opening 24 and top opening 21 may form a continuous aperture running through the body lengthwise of mounting post 10.

FIG. 6 illustrates that straps 23 a, 23 b may be comprised in or integrally connected to support portion 20 to provide a convenient attaching mechanism to the column or the structure to which mounting post 10 is affixed. Straps 23 a, b may be formed each as two separate straps with a first part of strap 23 a connected to a first side of mounting post 10 and a second side of strap 23 a connected to another side of mounting post 10, and similarly, strap 23 may be formed of two straps on either side of mounting post 10. Alternatively, strap 23 a may be a single strap that runs through mounting post 10 from one side to the other, and strap 23 b may be a single strap that runs through mounting post 10 from one side to the other. Straps 23 a, b may be removable by the user or may be permanently affixed to mounting post 10.

Also shown in FIG. 6 are support extension pieces 52 a,b, which may support mounting post 10 on either side. Support extension pieces 52 a,b may be used to adapt to existing game boards, such as mini hoops so as to allow two hooks of a mini hoop mounted at the top of mounting post 10 to be more securely attached.

FIG. 6 illustrates support extension piece male members 53 a, b that may be used to attach side support pieces 52 a, b to mounting post 10. Support extension piece male members 53 a,b may be threaded and may be screwed into bottom threaded apertures 25 a,b.

The mounting post may be made of wood, plastic, metal or other sturdy material, or a combination of the foregoing. Straps 23 a, b and/or strap 57 (illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13-15) may be made of a flexible material, such as nylon/Velcro, canvas with metal hook loops, rubber, plastic, rope or the like. Threaded male member 33 a, 33 b and threaded apertures 34 a, 34 b, as well as other threaded members and threaded apertures described herein and/or central connector 36 and the sides of extension member receiving slot 37 may be formed of a different material than remaining portions of mounting post 10. For example, if mounting post 10 is made of wood or plastic, these components may be made of a sturdier or harder material or a combination of materials, such as a metal or metal alloy. Similarly, bracket 61 a, 61 b may be made of such a material.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a fifth embodiment of the game board mounting post. FIG. 7A illustrates keyhole brackets 47 a,b that are mounted in or on the mounting post. The game board is attached or secured on or to the mounting post using small metal bolts, studs or using one or more other fastener mechanisms that fit into the keyhole brackets. Thus, the metal hook may be unnecessary for mounting the game board to the mounting post and slot 41 at the top of mounting post may be omitted. According to another aspect of the disclosure, slot 41 may be provided in addition to keyhole brackets 47 a,b. More than two and fewer than two keyhole brackets may be provided. Slots 22 a,b may be positioned at a front side of the mounting post, providing for a convenient way to insert or to interact with straps that secure the mounting post. As discussed, the straps may also be affixed to or integrally formed with the mounting post protruding from slots 22 a,b or at other locations, and may be integrally formed with or may be affixed to the game board, for example, basketball backboard 50 or 50′.

FIG. 7A also illustrates threaded screw holes 37 a and 37 b that are mounted on the top and bottom portion of the game board mounting post. This allows or facilitates other items to be secured or attached to the mounting post, for example, a metal hook or other sturdy affixing element for attaching a tether ball and rope thereto may be secured to the mounting post. Also shown are threaded screw holes 38 a,b which may also be used to affix additional items to the mounting post.

Also contemplated is a basketball backboard and hoop device as illustrated in FIGS. 9-12. Such a basketball backboard and hoop may be provided as a smaller kid-friendly or mini game system and may be configured for easier and light portability and installation.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, basketball backboard 50 may include two apertures 52 a, 52 b for receiving male protruding members 62 a, 62 b of bracket 61 a, 61 b positioned on a structure behind basketball background 50. An additional pair of such apertures or slots 53 a, 53 b may also be provided vertically aligned with and beneath the first pair of apertures 52 a, 52 b and spaced on either side of a vertical center line along the front surface of the basketball backboard. Additional male protruding members 63 a, 63 b may be also provided on the brackets for additional stability and security. Each of the male protruding members 62 a, 62 b and 63 a, 63 b may have an upwardly projecting flange that is configured to be positioned on the front surface of the basketball backboard 50 so as to provide additional stability and strength to the installed device. As illustrated in FIG. 9, each male protruding member, or at least some of them, may include an upwardly extending flange at a distal portion of the male protruding member that is designed to project up on the front surface of the basketball backboard 50, 50′ for better securement of the basketball backboard 50, 50′ to the bracket 61 a, 61 b. Also, each aperture may have an internal receptacle that receives the upwardly extending flange, so that the upwardly extending flange penetrates up into the receptacle above the outwardly open portion of the aperture but is not visible on the from surface of basketball backboard 50, 50′.

FIG. 10 illustrates a version of the basketball backboard 50 with a configuration of apertures 52 c-53 f in which each aperture is formed by a vertical line and a horizontal line traversing the vertical line (in the shape of a plus sign). In this way, the bracket 61 a, 61 b may have a male protruding member 62 a, 62 b, 63 a, 63 b that has a similar shape for extra stability. Alternatively, the same kind of bracket may be used as with the basketball backboard illustrated in FIG. 9 but with a wider male extending member extending through the horizontal portion of each aperture. The vertical portion of each aperture may be used to be secured with the strap 57 discussed below. Thus, a versatile portable basketball hoop and basketball backboard device may be provided that can work with either the male extending members 62 a, 62 b, 63 a, 63 b extending through the horizontal portion of the apertures 52 c, 52 d and 53 e, 53 f, or may work with strap 57 extending through the vertical portion of the same apertures 52 c, 52 d and 53 e, 53 f. Apertures 52 a, 52 b, 53 a, 53 b, 52 c, 52 d, 53 e, 53 f may have a metal or other reinforcing insert of the same shape as the male protruding member 62 a, 62 b, 63 a, 63 b, or the same shape as the aperture itself to strengthen the aperture for repeated insertions of the male protruding member 62 a, 62 b, 63 a, 63 b or the strap 57, and for additional stabilization during use and for longer life of the basketball backboard. Basketball backboard 50, 50′ may be made of plastic, wood, particle board or other materials. Similarly, basketball hoop 51 may be made of such materials and be made of materials different from or the same as basketball backboard 50, 50′.

FIG. 11 illustrates strap 57 extending between apertures 52 a, 52 b and a second strap extending between apertures 53 a, 53 b along a front surface of the basketball backboard 50 so as to secure the device to the structure behind it.

FIG. 12 illustrates a more traditional configuration or shape for the basketball backboard 50′. This basketball backboard 50′ has the more classic fan shape and includes the apertures on the front side as discussed above.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a strap, including a buckle or ratchet 58 that can be used to tighten the strap after it has been threaded through the apertures so as to secure the device to the structure behind it.

FIG. 10 also illustrates additional aperture 55 near a vertical center line on the front surface of the basketball backboard 50, 50′, which may be used in addition to, or instead of, aperture 52 a-53 f for securing basketball backboard 50, 50′ to a structure. A quick installation may be achieved by using a single strap for hanging the basketball backboard 50 to a structure behind it or using a single male protruding member or other rigid piece for hanging the basketball backboard 50, 50′.

Strap 57 may be threaded through the same slots 22 a and 22 b of the mounting post 10 as the slots used for affixing or securing the mounting post 10 to the playground structure. Alternatively, the strap 57 may be wound around the outside of mounting post 10 or one of the straps may be inserted in top slot 41 of threaded portion 30 of mounting post 10. It will be understood, however, that strap 57 may be used without the mounting post 10 to strap basketball backboard 50, 50′ directly to the playground structure behind it.

Thus provided is a conveniently portable and fastenable basketball backboard device that need not require the use of tools for installation. The strap may be made of plastic or other flexible weight bearing material and may include a Velcro instead of or in addition to a buckle. A ratchet or a wrench may also be used or may be included with the kit to tighten the strap. However, it will be understood that according to an aspect of the invention, such tools are unnecessary.

It will be understood, however, that the ends of two straps may be tied or otherwise secured on the front side of basketball backboard 50, 50′ facing the basketball players during play and need not run from aperture 52 a to aperture 52 b along the front side of the basketball backboard. Similarly, the ends of one or more straps may extend through apertures 53 a, 53 b and may be knotted or otherwise affixed thereto so as to secure the basketball backboard 50 without the need to run the strap along the front of the basketball backboard 50, 50′. Alternatively, such straps may be affixed permanently or removably inside aperture 52 a, 52 b, 53 a, 53 b, or on a front of the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard, or at the rear surface of the basketball backboard 50, 50′. For example, one or more straps like strap 57 may be permanently secured to the rear of the basketball backboard 50, 50′ using screws or rivets without the need to remove the straps for each installation.

FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate a simplified design for a mounting post with a keyhole entry on the front surface for attaching the game board, such as the basketball backboard, or other type of game board, and strap entry 22 on the two side surfaces thereof for receiving straps for mounting to the structure, such as a playground post behind it. Instead of, or in addition to the keyhole 47, an aperture for a threaded connection 49, such as a screw or bolt or the like, may be provided for securing the game board. An angled cleat 29 near the top is also illustrated. Dovetail 48 at the front surface below the top may also facilitate a connection or a fixing. The bottom surface 28 is illustrated in FIG. 16C. Dimensions are provided only by way of illustrative example but may be varied to a wide extent and still lie within the scope of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Structures and units described in relation to one aspect of the method or system may be added, or substituted, for structures or units described with respect to another aspect of the system. Combinations and permutations of structures different from those outlined are also contemplated. Structures illustrated or otherwise described as being adjacent each other may be positioned apart or remotely. Not all structures described need necessarily be provided, and other intervening structures may be inserted. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.

-   support portion 20 -   slots 22 a, 22 b -   slotted portion 30 -   slot 41 -   slots 42 a, 42 b -   attachable elements 31, 32 a and 32 b -   slotted portion extension pieces 32 a and 32 b -   slotted portion central structure 31 -   threaded male member 33 a -   threaded aperture 34 a -   threaded male member 33 b -   threaded aperture 34 b -   single extension piece 38 -   central connector 36 -   extension member receiving slot 37 -   mounting post 10 -   straps 23 a, b -   bottom recess 24 -   top recess 31 -   bottom threaded apertures 25 a, b -   support extension pieces 52 a, b -   groove 21 -   openings 35 a, b -   keyhole brackets 47 a,b -   threaded screw holes 37 a and 37 b -   threaded screw holes 38 a, b -   basketball backboard 50, 50′ -   basketball hoop 51 -   additional aperture 55 -   back brackets 61 a, 61 b -   male protruding members 62 a, 62 b, 63 a, 63 b -   strap 57 -   buckle 58 -   hook 59 -   apertures 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 53 a, 53 b, 53 c, 53 d 

What is claimed is:
 1. A game board mounting post configured to be attached, using a mounting element, to a load bearing object and configured to receive an attachment device attached to the game board, the mounting post comprising: a post support portion configured to attach the post to the load bearing object; the post support portion having a longitudinal extent in use oriented vertically and having at least one of an opening and a groove positioned and configured to receive the mounting element; and a slotted portion positioned above the post support portion and having at least one slot at a top surface of the slotted portion, the at least one slot configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board.
 2. The mounting post of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot at the top surface of the slotted portion is configured to receive a clip attached to the game board.
 3. The mounting post of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the opening and the groove of the post support portion comprises a first opening, and a second opening positioned below and spaced from the first opening, the first opening and the second opening each extending horizontally through an entirety of the post support portion from a first side of the support portion to a second side of the post support portion.
 4. The mounting post of claim 1, further comprising: a first extension piece and a second extension piece, each extension piece configured to be mounted to a side of the slotted portion and comprising at least one slot at a top surface of the respective extension piece, the at least one slot of the respective extension piece configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board.
 5. The mounting post of claim 1, wherein the slotted portion has an extension member receiving slot positioned at the top surface, and the mounting post further comprising: an extension piece comprising a central connector thinner than laterally adjacent portions of the extension piece and configured to be mounted in the extension member receiving slot so as to secure the extension piece in the slotted portion.
 6. The mounting post of claim 1, further comprising the mounting element, wherein the mounting element is a strap.
 7. The mounting post of claim 1, wherein the mounting post defines a concave slot positioned at a center of the mounting post and extending along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the mounting post.
 8. A mounting kit comprising the mounting post of claim 1, and further comprising the attachment device.
 9. A mounting kit comprising the mounting post of claim 1, and further comprising the attachment device and the game board.
 10. A game board mounting post configured to be attached, using a mounting element, to a load bearing object and configured to receive an attachment device attached to the game board, the mounting post comprising: a post support portion configured to attach the post to the load bearing object; the post support portion having a longitudinal extent in use oriented vertically and having at least one of an opening and a groove positioned and configured to receive the mounting element; and a fastener receiving portion defining an aperture configured to receive a fastener for securing the game board to the mounting post.
 11. The mounting post of claim 10, wherein the at least one of the opening and the groove is positioned on a front surface of the mounting post, the front surface being a side of the mounting post facing away and being parallel to a side of the mounting post facing the game board.
 12. The mounting post of claim 10, wherein the fastener receiving portion is configured to receive a rigid fastener.
 13. The mounting post of claim 10, further comprising a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard, the basketball backboard comprising: a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
 14. The mounting post of claim 10, further comprising a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard, the basketball backboard comprising: a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure, wherein the basketball backboard comprises a second pair of apertures positioned below and vertically aligned with the first pair of apertures, each aperture of the second pair of apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the basketball backboard, and configured to receive a second securing strap extending between the pair of second apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
 15. The mounting post of claim 10, wherein each aperture includes a vertical slot configured to receive the strap, and a horizontal slot traversing the vertical slot configured to receive a male protruding member of a bracket.
 16. A device comprising a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard, the basketball backboard comprising: a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the basketball backboard comprises a second pair of apertures positioned below and vertically aligned with the first pair of apertures, each aperture of the second pair of apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the basketball backboard, and configured to receive a second securing strap extending between the pair of second apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
 18. The device of claim 16 in combination with a pair of brackets, each bracket configured to be positioned behind the basketball backboard and comprising two pairs of male protruding members, each male protruding member configured to extend through an aperture; each bracket comprising an L-shaped top portion configured to secure the bracket to the structure.
 19. The combination of claim 18, wherein each male protruding member comprises a flange configured to project up along the front surface of the basketball backboard so as to secure the basketball backboard to the bracket.
 20. The device of claim 16, wherein each aperture includes a vertical slot configured to receive the strap, and a horizontal slot traversing the vertical slot configured to receive a male protruding member of a bracket. 